Apparatus for assembling laminations

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for producing magnetic cores of predetermined dimensions by assembling laminations of selected size and configuration in a predetermined order wherein laminations to be assembled into cores are received and stored in lamination magazine means adaptable to various sizes of laminations and individual laminations are removed from the magazine means and moved into stacked relation by conveyor means preferably including a plurality of endless flexible members driven in coordinated movement for carrying lamination pushing members adjacent the lamination magazine means.

United States Patent Nieder [451 Jan. 18,1972

[54] APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING LAMINATIONS [72] Inventor: Berthold L. Nieder, 85 Manchester St.,

Concord, NH. 03301 22 Filed: Nov. 7, 1969 21 Appl.No.: 874,823

[52] U.S. Cl ..29/203 L, 29/203 P [5 1] Int. Cl ....H05k 13/00, B23p 19/04 [58] Field of Search ..29/203 L, 203 P, 203, 200 P,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,966,878 7/1934 Bluzat ..29/203L 2,494,349 1/1950 Mittennaiet ..29/203 L X 2,658,268 11/1953 Knauf, Jr. et a] ..29/203 L Primary Examiner Thomas H. Eager AttorneyPan-ott, Bell, Seltzer, Park & Gibson [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for producing magnetic cores of predetermined dimensions by assembling laminations of selected size and configuration in a predetermined order wherein laminations to be assembled into cores are received and stored in lamination magazine means adaptable to various sizes of laminations and individual laminations are removed from the magazine means and moved into stacked relation by conveyor means preferably including a plurality of endless flexible members driven in coordinated movement for carrying lamination pushing members adjacent the lamination magazine means.

13 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PMEMED JM W2 SHEET 2 0F 5 195m mama m9:

Amman JAN 1 a a 6 34,91 9

SHEE T l UF 5 m lNVENTOR g BERT HOLb L. Nlebesa AT TOENEYS PAT ENTED JANI8- 3,634,919

sum 5m 5 mvemoa'.

v BERTHOLB L. N\E:bEE.

' ATTORNEYS APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING LAMINATIONS Electrical and electronic apparatus energized with alternating or transiently varying electrical currents make wide use of transformers, inductors and other devices which rely for proper operation upon magnetic cores or magnetic structures. Heretofore, substantial numbers of transformers and the like used in such apparatus have been constructed with magnetic cores produced by interleaving or stacking laminations. In one specific example, sheet iron or strip steel is cut to form shapes similar to those of the letters E and I and the shapes are stacked with I plates extending across the open sides of E plates and with E plates being inserted from alternate sides into a prewound coil. Such a lamination stack, when completed, provides magnetic structure substantially surrounding the prewound coil, to permit achieving a desired effeet for the resulting device.

While apparatus has been adopted for assembling or stacking such laminations into such magnetic core structures, such machines are typically designed, constructed and arranged for handling specific predetermined sizes of E and I laminations. As a result, the design and production of transformers and inductors has been limited by available lamination assembling or stacking capability to production of standard dimensions of cores not ideally suited to devices designed for varying specific electrical conditions. This is uneconomic in optimization of use of materials and of size required in a finished product.

It has been recognized that tailoring of the particular sizes and configurations of laminations to be assembled or stacked into a magnetic core would facilitate more optimum design and construction of transformers and the like. However, an excessively large number of sizes of stacking apparatus have been required heretofore in handling the varied sizes and configurations of laminations required for accomplishing this desirable result.

With the above discussion in mind, it is an object of the present invention to permit ready variation of the sizes and configurations of laminations formed into cores by a lamination assembling or stacking apparatus, by providing in the apparatus the capability for readily handling such varied sizes and configurations of laminations. In realizing this object of the present invention, the operating elements of a lamination stacking apparatus are arranged for notably free and advantageous movement relative to each other. In particular, supporting members are so arranged that the spacing of lamination magazine means relative to a core-engaging means may be varied as required to adapt the lamination stacking apparatus to a particular size and configuration of a magnetic core to be produced.

Yet another object of the present invention is to remove the laminations from magazine means in which the laminations are stored and transport the laminations to a location at which a magnetic core is being formed by assembling or stacking of the laminations in predetermined timed relation without regard to the particular sizes and configurations of the laminations involved. In realizing this object of the present invention, conveyor means are employed which include a plurality of lamination pushing members moved in timed, coordinated movement along predetermined paths of travel. In accordance with the present invention, control over the removal of a lamination from the stack, and its transport to and insertion into a magnetic core, is exerted in at least part by a cam actuating means cooperating with the lamination pushing members.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the apparatus of the present inventlon;

FIG. 2 is a view from above of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view from one end of the apparatus of FIGS. I and 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial side-elevation view, in section, taken generally along the line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side-elevation view, in partial section, taken generally along the line 6-6 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial elevation view, in section, taken generally along the line 7-7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 7, taken generally along the line 9-9 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a lamination pusher;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an inductor or the like having a magnetic core as formed by the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an elevation view, partially in section, taken generally along the line 11-11 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged pan view, partially broken away, taken generally along the line 12-12 in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is an elevation view taken generally as indicated by the line 13-13 in FIG. 11.

Referring now particularly to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is there generally indicated by the reference character 20 and this invention will hereinafter be described with particular reference to the illustrated embodiment. However, while the particular cooperation of elements to be described hereinafter is most advantageous in achieving the results desired for the apparatus of the present invention, it is recognized at the outset that the elements may be varied while still obtaining the substantial benefits to be disclosed hereinafter.

In an instance where the laminations to be assembled or stacked into a magnetic core are of E and I form, it is common practice to interleave the laminations within the opening or window of a prewound coil. To facilitate the stacking of E and I laminations in accordance with this general type of procedure, the lamination stacking apparatus of the present invention, generally indicated by the reference character 20, includes at a generally central location therein a core-engaging means generally indicated at 21 for receiving and supporting a magnetic core as the core is formed by the stacking of laminations. As illustrated, the core-engaging means 2] includes a pair of elongate members 22 and 23 for engaging a winding spool 24 on which a coil is prewound.

In order to provide for the insertion of a spool or winding, where a magnetic core is to be built within the window of such a spool or winding, the spool-engaging members 22 and 23 are supported on main frame members 25 and 26 for movement relative to the central portion of the core-engaging means 21. Such movement is effected by rotation of a pair of interrneshing gears 28 and 29, each supported on a stud shaft extending from a front main frame member 25. An operating lever 30 preferably is secured to one of the gears, such as the gear 28, to facilitate rotation of the intermeshing gears. Further, each gear meshes with a corresponding one of two rack gears 3I and 32, respectively secured to the left and right spool-engaging members 22 and 23. On rotation of the operating lever 142 in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed from the front of the apparatus 20), the members 22 and 23 are drawn apart to pennit the removal of a finished magnetic core formed as stacked laminations or the insertion of a spool or bobbin into which laminations are to be stacked.

When positioned between the elongate spool gripping members 22 and 23, the spool 24 is positioned in predetermined relationship to other operating elements of the apparatus 20 for receiving laminations inserted into stacked relation within the spool 24 and in position generally between a pair of corepositioning standards 34 and 35. Each of the standards 34, 35 supports a vertically immovable spring-loaded pin member, respectively identified by the reference characters 36 and 37, movable transversely relative to the spool 24 and laminations inserted thereinto as discussed more fully hereinafter. Each of the standards 34 and 35 also supports a stack-supporting member, respectively identified by the reference characters 39 and 40, mounted for floating vertical movement as discussed more fully hereinafter. Each of the stack-supporting members 39 and 40 is of generally T-shaped configuration and is mounted in its corresponding standard with a crossbar of the T-shape positioned upwardly. The stack supports 39 and 40 are biased upwardly by positioning of the lower extremity of the leg portions of the T-shapes thereof against a loading bar 41, extending through and movable relative to the standards 34 and 35. By means of tension springs 43 and 44 secured to opposite end extremities of the loading bar 41 and to the main frame members 25 and 26, an upward bias is imparted to the bar 41 and tends to lift the stack-supporting members 39 and 40 relative to a spool 24 gripped between the elongate members 22 and 23 of the core-engaging means 21.

The standards 34 and 35 of the core-engaging means 21, and the elements supported by the standards for movement relative thereto, are suspended with the apparatus for adjustment relative to the centrally disposed area in which a core is formed by the stacking of laminations, in furtherance of the object of this invention to facilitate the handling of laminations of varied sizes and configurations. In particular, the standards 34 and 35 are each mounted upon a pair of parallel spaced-apart, side-to-side, longitudinal supporting rods or bars 46, 47, 48, 49. The spacing between the core-engaging standards 34 and 35, and thus one of the width dimensions of the stack of laminations which is accepted therebetween, is determined by the spacing of the side-to-side support rods within and relative to the main frame members 25, 26 of the apparatus 20 discussed hereinabove.

Spacing of the upper support rods 46 and 47 relative to the main frame members and 26 is determined by the mounting of opposite end portions of the support rods in a plurality of mounting blocks 50, 51, 52, 53. The mounting blocks are in turn supported from the main frame members 25 and 26 by a plurality of parallel spaced-apart front-to-rear rods or bars 56, 57 and 58, 59, respectively at the left and right ends of the apparatus 20. Each pair of the mounting blocks is moved relative to the main frame members 25 and 26 by a double-threaded screw member extending therethrough and received in threaded bores of corresponding thread directions, with the double-threaded screw members being identified the a left end screw member 60 passing through the mounting blocks 50 and 51 and a right end screw member 61 passing through the mounting blocks 52 and 53. Rotation of the screw members 60 and By coordinated by means of an member flexible member or chain 64 which extends therebetween, and is effected by rotation of a handwheel 65 secured to the left end screw member 60.

Medially of the length of the elongate support rods 46 and 47, adjacent to the position of the core-engaging standards 34 and 35, are positioned a pair of parallel spaced-apart front-torear support rods or bars 66 and 67, which extend parallel to the side-to-side rods 56, 57, 58 and 59 passing through the four support blocks 50, 51, 52 and 53. Each of the front-torear rods 66 and 67 located adjacent the core-engaging means 21 has a threaded opening therethrough medially of its length, and a double-threaded adjusting screw member 68 extends therethrough. By rotation of the double-threaded screw member 68, the rods 66 and 67 through which the member 68 passes are moved more closely together or further apart, as required.

By virtue of the multiple supporting rod and doublethreaded screw member arrangements described immediately above, a plurality of subframe members 70, 71, 72 and 73 are supported for adjustable positioning relative to the core-en gaging means 21, for accommodating a size of laminations selected to be stacked. In accordance with important features of the present invention, the positioning of the subframe members 70, 71, 72 and 73 relative to the core-engaging means 21 facilitates adaptation of the apparatus 20 to a wide range of sizes of laminations, to produce magnetic cores ofa variety of required shapes and sizes. In particular, each of the subframe members is suspended from a pair of the mounting block members 50, 51, 52 and 53, by means of the upper support rods 46 and 47 extending therebetween. Thus, the subframes are movable in pairs toward and away from each other to accept variations in one dimension of laminations, upon rotation of the handwheel 65 to drive the front-to-rear screw members 60 and 61 in rotation. When so moved, the front pair of subframe members 70 and 72 are moved toward or away from the rear pair of subframe members 71 and 73.

Similarly, rotation of the side-to-side threaded member 68 moves left and right pairs of the subframe members 70, 71 72 and 73 toward and away from each other to accommodate laminations which vary in another dimension. In such movement, the left-hand pair of subframe members 70 and 71 are displaced relative to the right-hand pair of subframe members 72 and 73, moving along the side-to-side support rods 46 and 47.

In order to receive and support a supply of laminations to be stacked into a magnetic core at the coreengaging means 21, the subframe members carry lamination magazine means defined by a plurality of upstanding plate members, arranged in pairs on each subframe member. The left-hand pair of subframe members 70 and 71 thus support plate members 80, 81, 82 and 83 while the right-hand subframe members 72 and 73 support plate members 85, 86, 87 and 88. Pairs of the plate members on adjacent ones of the subframe members are aligned and cooperate to position stored laminations bridging the subframe members. By way of example, the plate members and 81 mounted respectively on the subframe members 70 and 71 extend vertically upwardly therefrom and are aligned fore and aft of the apparatus 20 to receive and engage opposite end portions ofa stack of laminations identified by the reference character I, In order to insure that the stack of laminations l is maintained in the desired position, three vertically extending strips are provided on each of the plate members 80 and 81, identified respectively as strips 90, 91 and 92 on plate member 80 and strips 94, 95 and 96 on plate 81. Of the three strips on each plate member, two are fixed relative to the plate members, such as the strips 90 and 91 on the plate 80. The third strip, such as the strip 92 on plate 80, is movable relative to the plate for purposes of accommodating varying laminations as will be brought out more fully hereinafter. Each of the other plate members of the lamination magazine means is similarly equipped with a plurality of strips for assisting in positioning of stored laminations such as the stack of laminations E positioned between the plate members 82 and 83; the stack of laminations E positioned between the plate members 85 and 86; and the stack of laminations 1 secured between the plate members 87 and 88. in each of the stacks l, E, E and l, the laminations are positioned to bridge the corresponding pair of subframe members.

Magnetic cores are formed from the laminations stored in the stacks l, E, E and l by manipulation of laminations resulting from the operation of a conveyor means. The conveyor means is mounted for movement relative to the core-engaging means 21, the subframe members 70, 71 and 73 and to the stacks of laminations l, E, E and l for removing stored laminations from the lamination magazine means, transponing removed laminations to the core-engaging means 21, and stacking the transported laminations at the core-engaging means to produce a magnetic core. in accordance with important features of the present invention, the conveyor means is particularly adapted to the wide adjustability provided by the arrangement of the elements of the present invention as discussed briefly above.

More particularly, the conveyor means includes a plurality of lamination pushers supported from each of the subframe members 70, 71, 72, 73 for movement relative thereto and a common drive means for driving all the lamination pushers in timed relation so that laminations are removed from the magazine means, transported to the core-engaging means and stacked into a core in a predetermined order and arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, four lamination pushers 100a, 100b, 101a, and [01b are provided on each of the subframe members 70, 71, 72 and 73, with a discussion which follows being directed particularly to the lamination pushers mounted on the reamiost right-hand subframe member 73, as

shown in the drawings of this application. It will be noted from the figures showing the arrangement of the subframe member 73 in detail that the subframe member is assembled from a number of elements, including a main support plate 105 and a plurality of guiding cam plates 106 and 107 secured to the main mounting plate 105 by a suitable arrangement of bolts 108 and 109 and spacing tubes 110 and 111.

Each of the lamination pushers 100a, 100b, 101a and lb has a generally U-shaped configuration, having one leg portion which extends upwardly adjacent the inner surface of the guiding cam members 106 and 107 and another portion which extends upwardly between the guiding cam members 106, 107 and the main mounting plate 105. The upstanding leg portion of a pusher member disposed between the cam plate members 106 and 107 and the main plate 105 has a vertically extending shot 114 therein, for purposes to be discussed more fully hereinafter, while the other upstanding portion of a lamination pusher has an inwardly extending stud 115 on which a roller 116 is mounted for free rotation. The stud 115 and roller 116 extend into guiding and camming grooves formed in and by the guiding and camming plates 106 and 107, for purposes to be discussed more fully hereinafter.

With a lamination pusher such as the pusher 100a so mounted, the lamination pusher may be moved about a path of travel defined by the guiding and camming grooves in and formed by the camming and guiding plates 106, 107. The plurality of lamination pushers 100a, 100b, 1010, 1011) are moved in coordinated movement by operative connection thereof with an endless flexible member being disclosed as a chain 120. The chain 120 is mounted for movement along a predetermined closed path of travel between the subframe member main support plate 105 and the cam and guiding plates 106 and 107, by means of a plurality of sprockets 121, 122 and 123, and has a plurality of pins extending outwardly therefrom and entering into the elongate slots 114 of the lamination pusher members. The entrance of the projecting pins into the elongate slots of the lamination pushers provides a driving interconnection between the chain 120 and the lamination pushers, while allowing certain angular variances in the relationships therebetween to occur and thus permitting movement of lamination pushers in a desired manner during operation of the apparatus as described more fully hereinafter. The endless chain 120 of the subframe member 73 is driven in movement along its predetermined closed path of travel, as determined by the position of the sprockets 121, 122 and 123, by rotation of a shaft 125 on which the sprocket 121 is fixed for rotation.

in accommodation of the varying positions of the subframe members 70, 71 and 72, as discussed hereinabove, provision is made for insuring that movement of all of the lamination pushers on all the subframe members is coordinated in the desired manner. This is accomplished by means of an endless flexible member drive arrangement for the conveyor means included in the apparatus 20 which maintains a constant distance path for a driving member, particularly for chains which coordinate movement of a set of lamination pushers relative to the particular subframe member on which the lamination pushers are mounted. Power is transmitted to the plurality of lamination pusher driving chains 120 by a pair of master drive chains 130 and 131. Each of the master drive chains 130 and 131 is supported for movement along a predetermined closed path of travel by a plurality of sprockets including sprockets such as sprockets 134 and 135, respectively mounted on the shafts which transmit rotation to the lamination pusher driving chains of the front subframe members 70 and 72. The master drive chain 130 additionally passes about an idler sprocket 136 and a master drive sprocket 138, both supported for rotation relative to a mounting block 52. The master drive sprocket 138 is fixed to a master drive shaft 139, for rotation therewith, and the master drive shaft 139 is driven in rotation by an appropriate drive means such as an electrical motor (not shown). It is to be noted that the master drive shaft 139 passes through both the front mounting block 53, and thus provides a source for rotational movement for the conveyor means of the present invention, transmitting force through the master drive chains 130 and 131 to the individual lamination pusher chains mounted on the four subframe members 70, 71, 72 and 73. Due to the mounting of the main drive sprocket 138 and the idler sprocket 136 on the mounting block member 53, movement of the front subframe member 70 and 72 fore and aft of the apparatus 20 of the present invention does not adversely affect transmission of power through the main drive chain 130. Further, displacement of the right and left front subframe members 70 and 72 one relative to the other, as upon rotation of the double-threaded adjusting member 68, does not change the overall linear distance of the path described by the main drive chain 130, as the subframe driven sprockets 134 and 135 move in opposite directions.

in operation of the apparatus 20 in accordance with the present invention, the dimensions of the laminations to be stacked in the desired magnetic core are first established. The relative spacing of the four subframes 70, 71, 72 and 73 is then established to accommodate the dimensions of the laminations, such as the laminations 1, E, E and l, and the finished core produced by stacking the laminations. The leading edge bars of the magazine means, such as the bars and 94 of the lamination magazine means which retains the stack 1 of laminations, are then adjusted to space the lower extremity thereof a predetermined distance above a lamination-supporting ridge provided on the corresponding subframe members, such as the subframes 70 and 71. Such spacing of the lowermost end of the bars insures that only a desired number of laminations, such as a singe lamination, will be picked off from the stack and removed from the magazine for stacking at the core-engaging means 21, as now will be discussed more fully.

With the apparatus 20 properly set up to accommodate the particular laminations to be stacked and the dimensions of the core to be formed thereby, the electrical motor driving the main drive shaft 139 is energized, and formation of the core begins. Upon the main drive shaft 139 being driven in rota tion, movement is passed to the conveyor means of the present invention and the plurality of lamination pushers are driven about a predetermined closed path of travel established by the cam and guiding plates 106, 107.

It is to be noted that a distinguishing feature between one type of lamination pusher, represented by the lamination pushers a and 100b, and a second type of lamination pusher, represented by the lamination pushers 101a and 101b, lies in the depth of reach into the cam grooves and the cam guide plates 106, 107. More specifically, the roller members of the respective forms of lamination pushers reach to distinctive and different depths in the cam and guide plate 106 and 107. In movement of the lamination pushers beneath the magazine means provided by the side plates extending upwardly from the respective subframe members, the roller portions of the lamination pushers engage one of two elevated ramp cam surfaces, depending upon the depth of reach of the rollers into the cam plate 106. More specifically, the guiding groove cut into the guide and cam plate 106 and passing immediately beneath the stacks of laminations retained in the magazines include portions of raised height immediately below each of the magazine means. The two portions of raised height are positioned in staggered relation, comparable to the different depths of reach provided for the rollers of the lamination'pushers 1001:, 10% as compared with the lamination pushers 101a and l0lb. Thus, in movement of a given lamination pusher beneath the two stacks of laminations, such as in movement of the lamination usher 100a beneath the stack E and l, the roller portion of the lamination pusher engages a cam surface and forces the lamination pusher to move upwardly only beneath a corresponding one of the two stacks of laminations. Thus, each form of lamination pusher removes the lowermost lamination only from the corresponding one stack or magazine means. It is this selective pickoff or removal of laminations from predetermined magazine means, which particularly facilitates the use of a continuous motion conveyor means in the apparatus of the present invention.

As movement of the driving mechanism continues, laminations removed from the bottom of the stacks pass beneath the lowermost end of the forwardmost vertical bar in the corresponding magazine means and are moved toward the coreengaging means 21. Upon arrival at the core-engaging means, the center leg of an E lamination passes beneath a downward projecting portion of a spool-engaging member to enter into the window of a spool or bobbin 24. At the same time, the upper and lower legs of the E lamination pass beneath the lamination-engaging pins 36 and 37, to be retained as the uppen'nost E lamination in a stack being formed. The stack support core-engaging members 39 and 40 are moved downwardly against the force of the springs 43 and 44 by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the E lamination. Substantially simultaneously, and l lamination is inserted from the opposite side, to extend across the three legs of the E lamination and provide a substantially complete portion of a magnetic path about the bobbin or coil 24. This process is continued, with E and l laminations being inserted from alternate sides, until a required depth core has been built.

It is to be noted that downward movement of the biasing bar 41, caused by increasing numbers of laminations being inserted above the stack-supporting core-engaging members 39 and 40, is passed by means of a link arrangement to a controlling microswitch 150. The controlling microswitch 150 is mounted on the rear main frame member 26, behind and above the core-engaging means 21. By means of a lever 151 pivotally mounted on the rearmost core-engaging standard 35, the position of the biasing bar 41 is reflected in the position of a vertically moving switch actuation member 152. As the coreengaging members 39 and 40 move downwardly with stacking of laminations to form a magnetic core, the switch actuating member 152 moves upwardly into engagement with the microswitch 150. By adjustment of the relative positions of the switch-actuating member 152 and the microswitch 150, energization of the electrical drive motor which furnishes rotation to the main drive shaft 139 may be interrupted upon the lamination stack of desired thickness dimension having been built. Preferably, the adjustment so made is such that insertion of laminations by the conveyor means or the apparatus of the present invention stops just short of the desired finished height, to permit completion of the magnetic core by manual insertion of one or two lamination layers. In this manner, over building of the magnetic core and possible deformation of laminations on attempts to insert the same into a bobbin or winding are avoided.

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation:

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for assembling magnetic metallic laminations into magnetic cores comprising:

first and second parallel spaced-apart main frame members,

a plurality of supporting rods mounted from said main frame members and extending therebetween in predetermined directions relative thereto,

core-engaging means mounted from said supporting rods for movement relative thereto and normally positioned generally centrally between said main frame members for receiving and supporting laminations as they are assembled to form a magnetic core, said core-engaging means being adjustable to accommodate cores of varying width and length dimensions,

lamination magazine means mounted from said supporting rods for movement relative thereto and normally positioned in predetermined relation to said core-engaging means for receiving and storing laminations to be assembled into cores, said magazine means being adjustable to accommodate laminations of varying width and length dimensions, and

conveyor means mounted for movement relative to said core-engaging means and said magazine means for removing stored laminations from said magazine means, transporting removed laminations to said core-engaging means and assembling transported laminations at said core-engaging means,

said supporting rods, core-engaging means and magazine means cooperating in adjustment to accommodate laminations and cores of selected length and width dimensions 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of subframe members engaging said plurality of supporting rods and adjustable positioned relative to said first and second parallel spaced-apart main frame members, said subframe members carrying said magazine means.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said subframe members, said magazine means and said conveyor means are arranged on two sides of said core-engaging means for movement of laminations from two sides of said coreengaging means along linear paths of travel toward said core-engaging means and into stacked relation and further wherein said rods support said subframe members for adjustment of spacing therebetween and relative to said linear paths of travel for accommodating laminations of varying dimensions.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said rods mount said members for adjusting movement in at least one of a direction perpendicular to said linear paths of lamination travel and a direction parallel to said linear paths of lamination travel.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said rods mount said members for adjusting movement both in a direction perpendicular to said linear paths of lamination travel and a direction parallel to said linear paths oflamination travel.

6. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said conveyor means comprises a plurality of lamination pushers supported from said subframe members for movement relative thereto and common drive means for driving all of said lamination pushers in timed relation so that laminations are removed from said magazine means, transported to said core-engaging means and assembled into a core in a predetermined order and arrangement.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said common drive means comprises a plurality of endless flexible members each mounted on a corresponding one of said subframe members for movement relative thereto along predetermined closed paths of travel, each of said endless flexible members carrying at least one of said lamination pushers therewith in movement along said closed paths of travel, at least one master positive drive member operatively connecting together a plurality of said endless flexible members for driving said endless flexible members in synchronous movement about the respective closed paths of travel 8. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein each of said subframe members includes cam surface portions positioned in predetermined relation to said magazine means and each of said lamination pushers has a cam follower portion for engagement with corresponding cam surface portions of said subframe members for displacing said lamination pushers on movement thereof relative to said subframe members and said magazine means for pickoff of a lamination therefrom.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said supporting rods are secured in and extend transversely of and between said main frame members and further wherein movement of said core-engaging means and said magazine means relative to said supporting rods accommodates laminations and cores of differing dimensions as taken transversely of said main frame members.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said supporting rods extend parallel to and between said main frame members and further wherein movement of said magazine means relative to said supporting rods accommodates laminations and cores of differing dimensions as taken parallel to said main frame members.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said core-engaging means comprises at least one vertically immovable member for engaging an upper surface of the uppermost lamination of a core, at least one vertically movable member for underlying and engaging the lowermost lamination of a core as additional laminations are stacked thereupon in forming the core, and biasing means acting on said vertically movable member for urging the same upwardly and thereby for maintaining the laminations of the core in stacked relation.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11 further comprising drive means for driving said conveyor means in movement to remove, transport and stack laminations and control means operatively connected to said drive means and said vertically movable member of said core-engaging means for interrupting driving of said conveyor means upon displacement of said vertically movable member downwardly a distance indicative of assembling of a predetermined number of laminations into the core 13. Apparatus for assembling magnetic metallic laminations into magnetic cores comprising: 7

core-engaging means for receiving and supporting laminations as they are assembled to form a magnetic core,

lamination magazine means mounted in predetermined position relation to said core-engaging means for receiving and storing laminations to be assembled into cores, and

conveyor means including a plurality of endless flexible members mounted for movement relative to said core-engaging means and said magazine means along predetermined closed paths of travel and a plurality of lamination pusher members secured to and moving with each of said endless flexible members for removing stored laminations from said magazine means, transporting removed laminations to said core-engaging means, and assembling transported laminations at said core-engaging means.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. ,634 9 19 4 Dated Januar 18, 1972 Inventor(s) BGIiIhOld L. Nieder' It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Cold 2, line 15, "pan" should be plan col; 3, line 14, "with the" should be Within the Col,- 3, line 39, "the a" should be as a Col 3, line 43, "60 and By coordinated" should be 60 and 61 is coordinated Cole 3, line 43, "member flexible" should be endless flexible Col. 5, line 16, "shot" should be slot Col. 6, line 52, "guide plate" should be guide plates C01,. 6, line 68, "lamination usher should be lamination pusher Signed and sealed this 11th day of Jul 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWAR D Mo? LE TC HER, JR

ROBERT GOTTS I Attesting Officer CHAIM" Commi ssioner of Patents i OHM 5 0-1050 (0-69) I USCOMM-DC 60816-P69 i 0.8 oovnnumm' PRINTING OIIICI nu o-su-au 1 

1. Apparatus for assembling magnetic metallic laminations into magnetic cores comprising: first and second parallel spaced-apart main frame members, a plurality of supporting rods mounted from said main frame members and extending therebetween in predetermined directions relative thereto, core-engaging means mounted from said supporting rods for movement relative thereto and normally positioned generally centrally between said main frame members for receiving and supporting laminations as they are assembled to form a magnetic core, said core-engaging means being adjustable to accommodate cores of varying width and length dimensions, lamination magazine means mounted from said supporting rods for movement relative thereto and normally positioned in predetermined relation to said core-engaging means for receiving and storing laminations to be assembled into cores, said magazine means being adjustable to accommodate laminations of varying width and length dimensions, and conveyor means mounted for movement relative to said coreengaging means and said magazine means for removing stored laminations from said magazine means, transporting removed laminations to said core-engaging means and assembling transported laminations at said core-engaging means, said supporting rods, core-engaging means and magazine means cooperating in adjustment to accommodate laminations and cores of selected length and width dimensions
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of subframe members engaging said plurality of supporting rods and adjustable positioned relative to said first and second parallel spaced-apart main frame members, said subframe members carrying said magazine means.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said subframe members, said magazine means and said conveyor means are arranged on two sides of said core-engaging means for movement of laminations from two sides of said core-engaging means along linear paths of travel toward said core-engaging means and into stacked relation and further wherein said rods support said subframe members for adjustment of spacing therebetween and relative to said linear paths of travel for accommodating laminations of varying dimensions.
 4. Apparatus according tO claim 3 wherein said rods mount said members for adjusting movement in at least one of a direction perpendicular to said linear paths of lamination travel and a direction parallel to said linear paths of lamination travel.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said rods mount said members for adjusting movement both in a direction perpendicular to said linear paths of lamination travel and a direction parallel to said linear paths of lamination travel.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said conveyor means comprises a plurality of lamination pushers supported from said subframe members for movement relative thereto and common drive means for driving all of said lamination pushers in timed relation so that laminations are removed from said magazine means, transported to said core-engaging means and assembled into a core in a predetermined order and arrangement.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said common drive means comprises a plurality of endless flexible members each mounted on a corresponding one of said subframe members for movement relative thereto along predetermined closed paths of travel, each of said endless flexible members carrying at least one of said lamination pushers therewith in movement along said closed paths of travel, at least one master positive drive member operatively connecting together a plurality of said endless flexible members for driving said endless flexible members in synchronous movement about the respective closed paths of travel
 8. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein each of said subframe members includes cam surface portions positioned in predetermined relation to said magazine means and each of said lamination pushers has a cam follower portion for engagement with corresponding cam surface portions of said subframe members for displacing said lamination pushers on movement thereof relative to said subframe members and said magazine means for pickoff of a lamination therefrom.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said supporting rods are secured in and extend transversely of and between said main frame members and further wherein movement of said core-engaging means and said magazine means relative to said supporting rods accommodates laminations and cores of differing dimensions as taken transversely of said main frame members.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said supporting rods extend parallel to and between said main frame members and further wherein movement of said magazine means relative to said supporting rods accommodates laminations and cores of differing dimensions as taken parallel to said main frame members.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said core-engaging means comprises at least one vertically immovable member for engaging an upper surface of the uppermost lamination of a core, at least one vertically movable member for underlying and engaging the lowermost lamination of a core as additional laminations are stacked thereupon in forming the core, and biasing means acting on said vertically movable member for urging the same upwardly and thereby for maintaining the laminations of the core in stacked relation.
 12. Apparatus according to claim 11 further comprising drive means for driving said conveyor means in movement to remove, transport and stack laminations and control means operatively connected to said drive means and said vertically movable member of said core-engaging means for interrupting driving of said conveyor means upon displacement of said vertically movable member downwardly a distance indicative of assembling of a predetermined number of laminations into the core.
 13. Apparatus for assembling magnetic metallic laminations into magnetic cores comprising: core-engaging means for receiving and supporting laminations as they are assembled to form a magnetic core, lamination magazine means mounted in predetermined position relation to said core-engaging means for receiving and storing laminations to be assembled into cores, anD conveyor means including a plurality of endless flexible members mounted for movement relative to said core-engaging means and said magazine means along predetermined closed paths of travel and a plurality of lamination pusher members secured to and moving with each of said endless flexible members for removing stored laminations from said magazine means, transporting removed laminations to said core-engaging means, and assembling transported laminations at said core-engaging means. 